5 classic and cool martini recipes to try

The apex of alcoholic beverage sophistication, complex flavours and versatility, the martini is one of the most popular cocktails in the world according to a recent survey.

Made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s novel A Farewell to Arms, which gave martinis the ultimate product endorsement: ‘I had never tasted anything so cool and clean. They made me feel civilized.’

And of course who could forget the iconic catchphrase in Ian Fleming’s James Bond franchise ‘Shaken, not stirred.’ every time they order a martini.

Whether you’re a classic martini lover combining vodka or gin and vermouth or maybe fruity vodka versions are more your thing or you’re an espresso martini fanatic, our five favourite ultra-cool martini recipes will certainly wet your whistle and hit the spot.

Mount Zero’s dirty martini recipe

For: The classic martini devotee

If you love a classic dry martini, give it some extra oomph and make it ‘dirty’ by adding a splash of olive brine into the mix. Simple. Briney. Salty. Zingy. Perfection. Here’s how to make a delish dirty martini:

What you’ll need

60 ml Grainshaker Corn Vodka
20 ml Maidenii La Tonique
10 ml Mount Zero Dirty Olive Brine
2 Mount Zero gordal or manzanilla olives
Ice
Martini glass

Instructions

Step 1. Add your vodka, olive brine and Maidenii La Tonique to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well-chilled.
Step 2. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
Step 3. Garnish with one or two olives and enjoy!

Conveniently grab all the martini essentials you need for your bar cart or send the martini lover in your life the ultimate gift with Mount Zero’s dirty martini pack.

Tips to make the ultimate dirty martini

Our hints for the best dirty martini:

• Don’t over stir. Only stir your martini for 30 seconds max to avoid watering down the vodka too much.
• Chill your martini glass. Before you make your martini pop the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep your martini nice and chilled for longer.
• Store your olive brine and olives in the refrigerator and keep your vodka in the freezer to ensure they are ice cold to achieve the optimum drinking temperature.
• Use premium olive brine and vodka for the perfectly clean, smooth and zingy martini.
• For a fresh take on a dirty martini, try adding a couple of dashes of premium extra virgin olive oil instead of olive juice for a beautiful subtle olivey flavour. 

Passionfruit martini recipe

For: When you’re feeling fun and fruity

The passionfruit martini, also commonly known as the pornstar martini so-called because of its bold, playful and tantalising taste, is for anyone who enjoys sweet and fruit-driven cocktails. Here’s how to make a sumptuous passionfruit martini:

What you’ll need

30 ml vanilla vodka
30 ml passionfruit liqueur (e.g. Passoa)
23 ml passionfruit syrup
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Ice
A cocktail shaker
A passionfruit half (to garnish)
A shot of prosecco or sparkling wine (served on the side)
Martini glass

Instructions

Step 1. Pour the vodka, passionfruit liqueur, passionfruit syrup and fresh lime juice into your cocktail shaker.

Step 2. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake vigorously until the shaker feels icy to the touch.

Step 3. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a floating passionfruit half and a shot of Prosecco served on the side.

Choc espresso martini recipe

For: The dessert connoisseur

Espresso martini addicts, this one's for you! Enjoy this as an afternoon pick me up, a decadent after-dinner treat or dessert replacement. Here’s how to make a creamy chocolate espresso martini:

What you’ll need

45 ml vanilla vodka
30 ml fresh espresso
30 ml Kahlua
30 ml Crème De Cacao
22 ml cream
Ice
Coffee beans and chocolate syrup to garnish
Martini glass

Instructions

Step 1. Make 30 ml of espresso with your preferred brewing method and coffee grounds (via AeroPress, Nespresso machine, Moka Pot or French Press).
Step 2. Pour your vodka, Kahlua, Crème De Cacao and cream into your cocktail shaker. Then add the espresso and a cup of ice to the shaker.
Step 3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Step 4. Pour chocolate syrup onto a plate and coat the rim of your martini glass by dipping the edges in the syrup. 
Step 5. Strain the mixture into your glass. Garnish with a couple of coffee beans if desired. Irresistible!

Lemon drop martini recipe

For: The sweet and sour lover

This is a sublimely sophisticated yet simple (only four ingredients required!) citrusy bevvy to work into your festive season entertaining or cocktail hour repertoire. With a sugar rim, lemony kick and refreshing tartness, this tempting ‘tini will keep you coming back for more. Here’s how to make a lemon drop martini:

What you’ll need:

60 ml quality citron vodka
30 ml fresh lemon juice
20 ml simple syrup
20 ml Cointreau
Ice
Caster sugar (for garnish)
Lemon peel (for garnish)
Martini glass

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare your glass by placing your sugar on a plate, wiping a cut lemon around the rim to moisten it and dipping the glass in the sugar to coat the rim.
Step 2. Add your vodka, lemon juice, Cointreau, simple syrup and a handful of ice to your cocktail shaker. Vigorously shake for 20 seconds until very cold.
Step 3. Strain into your prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Mexican martini recipe

For: The margarita fan

When a classic martini gets a margarita style makeover you get the best of both worlds. The perfect balance of tangy, dry vermouth, sweet, salty and citrusy flavours. Don’t forget to top it all off with an olive and slice of lime. So fresh. Here’s how to make a Mexican martini:

What you’ll need

60 ml tequila
30 ml Cointreau
30 ml fresh lime juice
22 ml fresh orange juice
12 ml Mount Zero Dirty Olive Brine
Mount Zero manzanilla olives
Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)
Salt (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1. If desired, salt the rim of your glass with salt. 
Step 2. Add your tequila, olive brine, Cointreau, lime juice and orange juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Seal and shake for up to 15 seconds.
Step 3. Strain into your glass and garnish with an olive spear and lime wedge. Sit back and enjoy.

We hope this diverse range of delectable martini recipes has inspired you to get on the martini bandwagon and maybe try something different or enjoy a new twist on a classic.

Stock up on our Australian grown cocktail olives and olive brine so you’re always dirty martini o’clock ready!